Do not own Pride and Prejudice.
As the sun rose over the green fields of the country, Fitzwilliam Darcy took a minute to look around.
He got off his horse and tethered the brown creature to a tree.
As he walked around the green grass and trees he had time to think about one vivacious Elizabeth Bennet.
He suddenly dreaded to hear of what his family would think of his choice to court this country girl.
In truth, he was a bit disconcerted at his choice to court her as well, he feared what his Aunt's and Uncle's and basically what his whole family would think of his choice of courting Elizabeth Bennet; but as soon as he remembered her captivating eyes he knew he would always want and need her by his side.
She was not like the other women who flirted shamelessly with him under the orders of their mothers.
Elizabeth Bennet was lively, her laugh was like a lovely song ringing in his ears, her eyes were as bright as the moon on a starry sky. He had barely met her, yet he knew she had already held his heart.
As Darcy saddled his horse he rode towards the Bennet house and his heart raced and he started smiling, soon he would see Elizabeth.
Elizabeth always woke up earlier than the rest of her family, to start her morning walks without her mother scolding her for her unladylike behaviour when she came back with her hems six inches deep in mud.
So, today was like any other day.
She knew Darcy would be calling on her today, but she couldn't just wait around. She had to go on a soothing walk to calm her nerves. "How atrocious! I sound like my mother!" she said to no one.
"And why do you say that Ms. Elizabeth?" questioned Darcy with a chuckle.
Elizabeth gasped as she turned around and smacked right into Mr. Darcy's chest.
It had hurt and before she fell onto the damp earth strong arms held her.
"You surprised me Mr. Darcy! Why are you here so early?"
Elizabeth said blushing as she released herself from Darcy's hold.
Darcy suddenly felt an absence in his arms as soon as she stepped away from him.
"I well...I was on my morning ride and I didn't expect to see you but I did and so I came to you knowing that it is still a bit early..." Darcy stopped himself as he realised he was rambling. What was elizabeth doing to him? He hadn't rambled on like that since he was a boy!
Elizabeth smiled at his dumbfounded expression. Why did he always look at her in such a way? She blushed.
Oh! Get it together man! Stop staring at her like she is some enchantress from Georgiana's novels. Oh, look at her blush, I bet she can put any queen or heiress to shame with those beautiful rosy cheeks.
She looks stunning today. Say something witty or smart before she thinks you are a complete dunce! Come on, get it together man!
"You danced good last night."
Is what he managed to choke out.
What is wrong with yourself today? You've never gotten scatterbrained near anyone.
Elizabeth laughed at his discomfort but stopped as soon as she saw the hurt befall into his beautiful eyes.
"I am sorry Mr. Darcy, you seem quite nervous today. Pray, tell me what sets your nerves alight?" she teased.
Darcy smiled "You."
Is what he managed to say as the sun rose even higher above them and Elizabeth knew she was late for her morning meal.
"I am sorr- I have to be home now and my mother will think our meeting alone to be improper if she sees I have returned with you. I have to go."
And with that she rushed off, wondering why she didn't say she was thinking of him as well. She soon discarded the thought as she saw no way of returning the words in a way that did not seem improper or awkward.
They had barely even met!
Thomas Bennet looked at all his five daughters.
Jane was admiring herself in a spoon...daft foolish girl, he thought.
Lydia was talking about some nonsense about marriage and the militia arriving in town. Lydia was so very like her mother.
Mary and Kitty were both talking quietly about a topic that made Mary blush profusely.
And his Elizabeth was contemplating very hard on some subject, he decided to tease Mary first.
"Tell me, Dear Mary, what has your cheeks in such a colour? Have you developed fever?" Mr. Bennet said jokingly.
"Papa, Kitty and I were just speaking about..." Mary started but couldn't continue.
Mr Bennet chuckled at his daughter's obvious discomfort.
Kitty then chimed in, "Charlotte Lucas and The Great Escape...tis a new book father, about a girl who falls in love with an American and gets captured by ruffians and then the American sets out to find her, but only to find out that she is his father's bastard child and stops the search and does not attempt to find her. But Charlotte Lucas prevails when she grabs ahold of a sword an-"
"Enough! Kitty my goodness you certainly have a mouth on you! It will not help you in getting a husband!" Mrs. Bennet said satisfied in shutting her up for Lydia to continue her story of some man in the militia she had met.
"I wonder, my dear, how you ever managed to get a husband." Mr. Bennet said quietly, which made Elizabeth smile.
"And Elizabeth what has you in such a faraway place? Perhaps a certain gentleman? Are you to elope with him in secret? Tell me my child, for I wish to hear how the secret wedding will take place!" Mr. Bennet said taking his daughters hand and copying his wife's manner when she wants to hear a fresh piece of gossip.
"Well, Dear father, the marriage is to be held at Gretna Green, and I will wear my plain old clothes, as will he. Oh father, will you like to be a witness to such a joyful event?" Elizabeth teased back squeezing her father's hand.
"I am sorry my child, but this whole week I have business with the tenants." He said with a sigh.
"Oh that is fine! I am sure we will be able to pay some stableboy to watch our union."
"That stableboy will be quite lucky to see such an event take place" He added.
"Oh, you two can go on and on about a subject, but we both know Lizzie is to never marry she hasn't even got a man's eye on her!" Mrs Bennet said loudly.
"But you are mistaken mama for Mr. Dar-"
"Kitty!" Elizabeth cut in hoping to silence her sister.
It worked and Mr Bennet went back to teasing Mary.
"And where is this book about Charlotte Lucas that you were speaking of Kitty? I do not remember purchasing it for you." he asked grinning when she had no answer.
Back in Netherfield, Darcy was in a bad temper.
He claimed of a headache and went to sleep early.
The next day, he remembered how she had reacted and thought himself a fool for being so forward.
Then he had to endure Caroline speaking ill of Elizabeth. He faintly heard...
"And apparently she is engaged to a Mr. Collins. Her mother speaks of their union quite frequently around town. She is to save the Bennets since their estate is passed down to this Mr. Collins when the father dies. What an embarrassing family!"
Caroline rejoiced when she finally caught Mr. Darcy's attention. She had really heard Mrs. Bennet speaking of a Mr. Collins coming to visit and marry one of the daughters in town that day and was starting to get closer to her plan.
As Darcy lay in his bed that night, he thought.
Engaged. Elizabeth engaged to be married. Mr. Collins engaged to Elizabeth Bennet.
It can't be. Caroline was lying. He had to find out the truth.
Oh, his feelings.
It can't be, he thought as he drifted off to sleep.
In Longbourne Elizabeth had come to a conclusion. She had decided.
I have to apologise to Mr. Darcy! I do like him. I do think about him! I do.
Sorry for all the POV's. Hope you all liked it. And if you did what parts? And thanks for all the wonderful reviews! I never thought this story would take off.